Consider This

In the sometimes tense on-going exchange between the Penang Chief Minister and the Federal MOSTI Minister over a purported “unapproved donation of vaccines” what can be discerned as the State government’s strategy? Why instead of procuring vaccines through regular channels did it opt to accept a donation? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Norlela Ariffin, Chairman, Penang State Government's Health Committee.

As the Federal Government’s National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme picks up pace and continues to evolve, the involvement of state governments have taken center stage. Tonight on the show, we’ll speak to Covid-19 committee representatives from the state governments of Selangor and Penang about the specific challenges they face at this time. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Chairperson, Selangor Covid-19 Task Force.

Amidst the outpouring of support for Palestinians living in Gaza there is a recognition that Palestinians are living among Malaysians even now. But who are they and what kinds of lives have they carved out for themselves here? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Muslim Imran, Chairperson, Palestinian Cultural Organisation Malaysia.

News reports from the ground say hospitals are overwhelmed and running low on medical supplies, water & food supplies running out, and thousands now displaced due to destroyed homes. What can be done to secure aid? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Perdaus, President, Mercy Malaysia. MERCY Malaysia has been providing medical and humanitarian assistance to Palestine since 2008.

News reports confirm that efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine are on-going, but little progress appears to have been made as fighting has now entered a 10th day. What are the diplomatic efforts at play and will they yield results in time to save lives? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to His Excellency Walid Abu Ali, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Malaysia, Maldives and Brunei.

Old folks' homes house some of the most vulnerable in this pandemic, and yet we’ve had concerns raised over apparent gaps in the inoculation process for the elderly, especially those at nursing homes. Have we failed to learn from the experience of other countries and how can we build back better the care home system? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Professor Dr Tan Maw Pin, Consultant Geriatrician, Universiti Malaya Medical & Specialist Centre.

Old folks' homes house some of the most vulnerable in this pandemic, and yet we’ve had concerns raised over apparent gaps in the inoculation process for the elderly, especially those at nursing homes.Have residents and staff of care centres for the elderly been neglected in the national Covid-19 vaccine rollout? And do Covid-19 SOPs take into account the vulnerabilities of this particular demographic - From testing & quarantine procedures to tech-centric registration & notifications. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Fong Muntoh, National Secretary, Association for Residential Aged Care Operators of Malaysia.

Today we take the opportunity to reflect on the larger multi-cultural context of Hari Raya, both here in the Peninsula and across the South China Sea in the territories of Sabah and Sarawak during Aidilfitri celebrations. We ask can we build understanding, instill trust but also accept differences. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Nathaniel Tan, Coordinator, Projek Wawasan Rakyat (POWR) and Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz, President, Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM).

Today we take the opportunity to reflect on the larger multi-cultural context of Hari Raya, both here in the Peninsula and across the South China Sea in the territories of Sabah and Sarawak during Aidilfitri celebrations. What are the ties that bind, what sets us apart and who wants to pull us apart. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Nathaniel Tan, Coordinator, Projek Wawasan Rakyat (POWR) and Dr Siti Noor Munirah Ibrahim, Coordinator, POWR and member, Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia. She’s also a palliative care doctor at Kasih Hospice Foundation. 

Buying new clothes & apparel for the festive season is a gesture of hope & a chance to sparkle socially. But how is the current mood shaping tastes? Tonight on #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris & Sharaad Kuttan speak to designer Nelissa Hilman about Hari Raya styling this year.